Former President Olusegun Obasanjo shares his insights on the crucial steps Nigeria must take to achieve progress and development.

Olusegun Obasanjo, the ex-President of Nigeria, has shown fear towards the unchanging condition of his country’s socio-economic and political situation. He attributes this to a lack in leadership quality among its rulers.

He stressed that Nigeria can only make progress by replacing leaders who prioritize their own interests with those who prioritize the nation’s well-being.

On Saturday, during the Leadership Empowerment International Conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo delivered these statements as a Special Guest of Honour.

25 distinguished Nigerians were presented with honorary Doctorates in leadership during an event that was arranged by Immanuel Theology Institute International of South Africa, in partnership with Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc.

He asserted that in order for Nigeria to surmount its current obstacles, the nation needs to break free from the grasp of what he labeled as “selfish leaders” who presently hold sway over governance at every echelon.

Obasanjo censured the present leadership, alleging their deficiency in required expertise and comprehension. Moreover, he accused them of neglecting a service-focused attitude towards governance – a crucial aspect for progress.

Nigerians were urged to endeavor towards putting an end to the trend of selecting leaders based on transactions, rather than qualities that would enable transformation and guarantee effective governance.

Obasanjo stated that the commitment to leadership and service for one’s community, at any level from local to global, is constant until one takes their final breath. The dedication of being a leader lasts a lifetime.

“If I were to pinpoint the primary culprit for Nigeria’s struggles in just one word, it would undoubtedly be ‘leadership’,” he remarked. “Leaders who prioritize their own interests over those of society and lack both knowledge and comprehension are detrimental. The core principle behind leadership should always focus on serving others. Fixing our issues as a nation begins with fixing our leadership.”

The commendable work of Prof. Olusesi Obateye, International Coordinator of Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc., and Prof. Van Den Berg Edward Alfred, President of a South Africa-based institute, in identifying and fostering exemplary leaders from Nigeria was also acknowledged by Obasanjo with appreciation.

During the proceedings, Professor Obateye delivered a speech on “Responsible and Responsive Leadership” in which he bemoaned the dearth of capable leaders in Nigeria. He attributed this to be the primary cause for the country’s lack of progress since gaining independence over six decades ago.

The awardees included Engr. Anthony Ojeshina, Hon. Kehinde Sogunle and Hon. Dele Obadina – all of whom were former Commissioners in Ogun State -, as well as Chief Joju Fadairo (former Chairman of the PDP in Ogun State) and Engr. Oluwatoyin Jokosenumi (a Former Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria).